What Changed
- Hong Kong Customs seized about 31 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins worth $130,000 at the airport on November 7, 2026.
- The AFCD charged a 51-year-old Mainland female passenger with one count of illegal import of an Appendix II species.
- Conviction under Hong Kong's Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance carries penalties up to a $10 million fine and 10 years imprisonment.
Hong Kong Customs intercepted a passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on November 7, 2026, leading to the seizure of approximately 31 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $130,000.
The enforcement action affects international travellers and cross-border passengers moving species regulated under international environmental conventions. A 51-year-old Mainland female passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Brazil via Ethiopia was intercepted for customs clearance in the airport's arrivals hall. Customs officers discovered the batch of suspected scheduled dried shark fins contained within her check-in baggage.
Subsequent inspection by officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) indicated that the dried shark fins were suspected to be derived from endangered species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In Hong Kong SAR, such species are regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
Customs officers arrested the woman, and the case was transferred to the AFCD for follow-up investigation. The AFCD has subsequently charged the arrested woman with one count of illegal import of an Appendix II species.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), importing, exporting, or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance constitutes an offence. Upon conviction, offenders face a maximum penalty of a $10 million fine and 10 years of imprisonment, alongside the mandatory forfeiture of the seized specimens.
Members of the public seeking to report suspected smuggling activities can contact Hong Kong Customs through its 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account ([email protected]), or its online reporting form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002). Enforcement agencies in Hong Kong SAR continue to monitor inbound passengers and baggage streams to enforce compliance with international species protection law.
Who May Be Affected
International air passengers, transport operators, and entities involved in wildlife trade traversing Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Cross-border transit involving passengers originating from Brazil via Ethiopia into Hong Kong SAR, enforced under international CITES provisions and local legislation.
What to check next
- AFCD follow-up investigation outcomes and judicial proceedings related to the charge under Cap. 586.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.